The Eagles were predicted to finish fourth in the eight-team conference in polls conducted by both the conference coaches and league media, despite many citing the overall competitiveness of the league.

Georgia Southern's best defenses have something in common -- dependable cover cornerbacks.

In the late 1980's, the Eagles had a tandem of Rodney Oglesby and Kevin Whitley. In the late 90s, Earthwind Moreland and Kiwaukee Thomas teamed on the edge.

Will Brandon Jackson, Henry Chubb and Carson Hill make anyone remember the past? Jackson had five interceptions while earning second team All-Southern Conference honors last season as a sophomore. Chubb played at Troy last season and was expected to be a starter for the I-A school this season. Hill started six games for the Eagles last year as a true freshman.

Georgia Southern began preseason football practice on an 80-degree Monday morning with temperatures expected to rise for second session in the afternoon.

Half the team worked out in shorts and helmets, while the other half worked out in the weight room. The groups will flip-flop this afternoon at 1:15 when the heat index is expected between 108-112 degrees.

Several newcomers joined the team since spring practice ended four months ago.

Some football followers think Chris Hatcher's Hatch Attack offense has its quarterback throw the ball all over the stadium, but the former Valdosta State coach would be the first to tell you that isn't the case.

Next in line to dispute the statement would be GSU's quarterback Kyle Collins, a reserve hoping to lead the offense this season.

Expect the Eagles to run a lot in 2007 because of the talent at running back, he said.

Here's why: Junior Mike Hamilton transferred from Oklahoma State after running for 1,507 yards during his first two years with the Cowboys.

Florida State transfer Lamar Lewis seems a step faster this season. Not that he had a bad season a year ago while running for 782 yards and seven touchdowns.

And Jayson Foster, one of the best runners in the Southern Conference, will line up all over the field, including running back.

Georgia Southern's football team ended its second week of practice by doing some public relations work Saturday.

Not that the Eagles' image has been scarred after Coach Brian VanGorder led a 3-8 2006 season, but maybe the fans need to be reassured a new order is in place. Particularly one that is going to embrace the old traditions here.

The Bishop Field House was jammed for nearly two hours with GSU well-wishers and autograph seekers. More than 2,000 schedule posters were given out.

165 children participated in the morning clinic.

Certainly, optimism has been pumped back into GSU's program with the hiring of Chris Hatcher, but as the first-year coach said, "If you're not optimistic this time of year, you'll never be."

The Eagles open the season Sept. 8 against West Georgia at Paulson Stadium at 6 p.m.